Michaela Merz

Tag Archives: VAT


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ROCHE: Global Value Added Tax Manager


Roche is looking for support. Please see below:

At Roche, we believe every employee makes a difference. We are passionate about transforming patients’ lives. We are fearless in both decision and action; we believe that good business means a better world.

We are looking for a new Global VAT Manager for Group Tax and Insurance (minimum schedule of 60 %). In this position you will be part of the Roche Group’s VAT team within the global function Group Tax, Insurance and Customs, and will collaborate with the global Pharma and Diagnostics operations on VAT matters. This global role is primarily collaborating with Roche affiliates in Switzerland and the EU. Continue reading →


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INDIA: News on Trade and Taxes


Trade war reaches Indian shores

USA recently partially revoked concessional tariffs offered under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) to less developed and developing countries. GSP, described as USA’s oldest and largest trade preference program (of which India was the largest beneficiary), revoked concessional customs duties offered on approximately 90 items. Continue reading →


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EU: VAT – Council adopts short-term fixes to current EU system


The EU VAT quick fixes seem to be closer. On 4 December 2018, the Council adopted three short legislative acts for their implementation on 1 January 2020.

The Council adopted three short legislative acts aimed at adjusting some of the EU’s VAT rules in order to fix four specific issues pending the introduction of a new VAT system. Continue reading →


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GERMANY: The German Annual Tax Act 2018 was passed


The “German Annual Tax Act 2018” was passed by the Bundesrat on 23.11.2018. The law changes will come into force 01. January 2019!

The following changes apply to VAT:

Recording obligations and liability for electronic marketplaces are introduced

Going forward the owner of an electronic marketplace has to make the following (additional) recordings: Continue reading →


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ITALY: News on mandatory e-invoicing regime and other VAT compliance obligations


Following to the approval of the Financial Law 2018, starting from 1 January 2019, a mandatory electronic invoicing obligation will be in place for the supplies of goods or services carried out between subjects that are resident, established or VAT registered in Italy.

The e-invoicing obligation is aimed, on one hand, to spread the digital culture among the companies and, on the other hand, to prevent the tax evasion and VAT fraud. Continue reading →


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Switzerland: VAT changes for imports of low-value goods from 1 January 2019


Due to the change in legislation, non-established sellers of “low-value” goods into Switzerland will be obliged to register for VAT if they generate more than CHF 100,000 (approx. USD 100,000) of sales of low-value goods per year.

Low-value goods are defined as imports where the VAT charge does not exceed CHF 5. At the currently applicable Swiss VAT rates these are shipments of CHF 65 at the standard VAT rate of 7.7%, or CHF 200 at the reduced VAT rate of 2.5%. Import VAT and customs duties are not levied upon the importation of goods if the amount of import VAT does not exceed CHF 5. Continue reading →


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Lavrin and the story of lifelong fraud


Lavrin didn’t care much about rules. Where he thought he wouldn’t be caught, he simply ignored them.

He never paid social security contributions for his cleaner and when he became self-employed, he deducted all her wages as business related costs, although she chiefly cleaned his home and cooked for him. He always drove his car too fast, but never fast enough for him to lose his driving licence. He fixed the cruise control so that on the autobahn he never exceeded 139 km/h and in town he never drove above 65 km/h.

When he bought clothes in Milan, with scrupulous precision he cut off all the clothing labels. He claimed refund of the Italian VAT, but he never declared the import for customs and VAT in Switzerland (although his purchases had a value of well over the 300 francs). Continue reading →